FIFA World Cup 1966 Group 1

England were seeded in Group 1 which was based in London. Matches were played at Wembley except for the game between France and Uruguay, which was played at the White City because the owner of Wembley refused to cancel the dog racing scheduled for the same Friday evening. Alf Ramsey had been appointed manager of the England side in 1963, the first to have control over team selection (which was previously done by committee). Ramsey had predicted on his appointment that his team would win the World Cup in 1966.

England 0 Uruguay 0

Wembley Stadium, London (87,148)
11 July 1966

Uruguay were not the team they once were and although individually they possessed superior ball skills, their main preoccupation was to not lose. England, playing in Ramsey's preferred formation without wingers, worked hard but could not penetrate the stubborn Uruguayan defence.

France

Mexico

France 1 Mexico 1

Wembley Stadium, London (69,237)
13 July 1966

Mexico, considered rank outsiders, matched a disappointing French team who lacked imagination and aggression. Borja put Mexico in front three minutes into the second half and were in control until a bad defensive error allowed Hauser to score France's equaliser.

(Andre Silva)

Uruguay

France

Uruguay 2 France 1

White City Stadium, London (45,662)
15 July 1966

Having secured a point against England, Uruguay showed more ambition and flair. They went a goal down from a penalty scored by De Bourgoing in the 15th minute but goals by Rocha and Cortes in the next quarter of an hour put Uruguay in charge. They were content to defend their lead for the rest of the game.

(Andre Silva)

England

Mexico

England 2 Mexico 0

Wembley Stadium, London (92,570)
16 July 1966

Bobby Charlton opened the scoring for England with a typical run through midfield ending with a crashing shot from distance. England continued to batter at Mexico and Banks had just one save to make in the entire match. Hunt scored England's second in the 75th minute but two goals were scant reward for all England's pressure and raised questions about their ability to overcome the sort of massed defence that was now commonplace.

Mexico

Uruguay

Mexico 0 Uruguay 0

Wembley Stadium, London (61,112)
19 July 1966

Despite the lack of goals, this was an entertaining match featuring neat, attractive football, at least from Mexico. Uruguay were content to play for the draw that would ensure a place in the quarter-finals. The 39-year old Mexican goalkeeper, Antonio Carbajal, veteran of five World Cup finals, made his last appearance in this match.

England

France

England 2 France 0

Wembley Stadium, London (98,270)
20 July 1966

Two goals from Roger Hunt, one in each half, ensured that England finished top of Group 1 and would stay at Wembley in the next round.